Arches National Park now has an all terrain wheelchair available for loan. This Extreme Motus chair is fitted with three balloon tires, has a long wheelbase, and requires at least one person to push and maneuver the unit. It has a maximum user weight limit of 250 pounds, and a maximum user height limit of 6 feet. The Arches all terrain wheelchair is available for loan at the Arches Visitor Center on a first-come basis. A waiver must be signed prior to checking out the chair, and a ranger will provide a brief training session on how to use the chair. The park cannot store personal wheelchairs, so alternative arrangements must be made while using the Extreme Motus chair.
The Arches All terrain wheelchair can be used on these easy trails, with one assistant.
Landscape Arch Trail
Double Arch Trail
Skyline Arch Trail
Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail
Double Arch Trail at Arches National Park
Although the Extreme Motus chair is not prohibited on the following trails, sections of them may have steps, uneven terrain and other obstacles that may require the assistance of more than one operator.
Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Trail
Broken Arch Trail
Park Avenue Trail (from Courthouse Towers Viewpoint)
Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail
Fiery Furnace (Viewpoint Trail only)
Delicate Arch Trail
Tower Arch Trail
Finally, it’s important to note, that the all terrain wheelchair is prohibited on these trails, as they are impassable without causing damage to the natural environment.
Known for its delicious ice cream and cheese, Tillamook County is one of those Oregon areas that’s often skipped over by hurried travelers. They rush off to Portland or Vancouver, or linger along the scenic coast, and just zip right on by this beautiful Northwestern Oregon area. And although a stop at the Tillamook Creamery is a must for a tasty treat, the Kilchis Point Reserve (www.tcpm.org/kilchis-point-reserve.html) tops the list if you want to explore several wheelchair-accessible trails and enjoy some pristine coastal views. So next time you visit Tillamook County, slow down when you hit Bay City, and spend a few hours at this serene coastal retreat.
A Space for Everyone
Trailhead Loop Trail at Kilchis Point Reserve
Located just off Highway 101, Kilchis Point Reserve is easy find once you reach Bay City. Just head south on Warren Street off of Highway 101, then make a left on Spruce Road. Granted, it doesn’t look like much from the parking lot, but first impressions can sometimes be deceiving.
As far as access goes, there’s accessible parking near the entrance, and level access to the accessible restrooms and the Trailhead Loop. There’s also a nice shaded picnic area with an accessible picnic table off to the right near the restrooms. So pack along a lunch to enjoy before or after your hike.
The reserve is owned and maintained by the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum, and it’s funded through donations, grants and membership dues. Wheelchair access is a top priority at Kilchis Point, because the powers that be want everybody to be able to enjoy this beautiful area. To that end, all of the trails within the reserve are wheelchair-accessible; so the only decisions that need to be made are how long you’d like to stay and how far you’d like to hike. Additionally, if any access obstacles pop up because of weather or other damage, they are well marked, so it’s easy to dodge them.
Folks who can’t manage the distance on the trails can also opt for a golf cart ride out to the ocean-view gazebo. Because of staffing issues advance notice is needed for this service, so please try to make reservations at least two weeks in advance. Call (503) 842-4553 for more information.
Hit the Trails
The accessible trails begin in both parking areas on the Trailhead Loop. This .33-mile trail circles the entrance area and includes interpretive plaques about the natural history of the area. The level brick pathways are lined with native plants, and the trees provide a pleasant shaded canopy. The loop leads to the First Convening Circle, where it branches off into two different routes to the ocean overlook.
The Native American Trail (.18 miles) is on the left, while the longer Flora and Fauna Trail (.38 miles) is on the right. Both hard-packed dirt trails are nicely accessible, and they wind through the forest and over the wetlands. The wetland areas have boardwalks, and although the trails have a few dips, they are still well within ADAAG guidelines for accessible trails. Interpretive plaques line both trails, and every now and then there’s a bench to take a break.
Flora and Fauna Trail at the Kilchis Point Reserve
Both trails end at the the Second Convening Circle, where the .5-mile Pioneer Path leads out to a viewpoint on Tillamook Bay. This trail is also hard-packed dirt and has a few ups and downs, but it’s still relatively level. Near the end there is a clearing which has a group of benches, so if you want to have lunch on the trail it’s a nice spot to stop.
Caitlin Heusser Bird Watching Station
The Caitlin Heusser Bird Watching Station sits at the end of the trail, and offers a commanding ocean view. This elevated gazebo has ramp access, and several benches inside. It’s a great spot to get a gander at the local avian life, so bring your binoculars. And if you want a closer look, there’s also level access over to a viewpoint on the side of the gazebo. Either way, it’s an excellent – and very accessible — spot for a beautiful ocean view.
Ocean View From the Caitlin Heusser Bird Watching Station
Barrier-Free Travel California National Parks Road Trips Travel Ideas for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Located in Northwestern Washington, Lake Sammamish State Park (parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/lake-sammamish-state-park) not only boasts some scenic trails, but it’s also home to an adaptive cycling center. And along with a wide selection of adapted bicycles, the Adaptive Cycling Center also has a loaner Action Trackchair, for folks who want to explore some of the more rugged areas of the park.
The Adaptive Cycling Center is located at the east end of of the Sunset Beach Bathhouse, which is on the opposite end from the concession stand. The center is staffed by Outdoors for All volunteers, who are experts at adapting trikes, handcycles and tandems so that people with limited arm or leg function can enjoy the ride. There’s no charge for this service, and it’s open to anybody with a disability, ages seven and up. The goal of Outdoors for All is to enrich the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through outdoor recreation, so be sure and stop by and learn about their adaptive bicycles on your next Lake Sammamish visit. The Adaptive Cycling Center is open seven days a week from May to September. And with over 250 adapted bicycles in stock, they have something for just about everyone.
Lake Sammamish State Park offers a number of wheelchair-accessible trails, including the Native Plant Interpretive Trail and a section of the East Lake Sammamish Trail. If, on the other hand, you’d like to try some of the more rugged trails in the park, a loaner Action Trackchair is available at the Adaptive Cycling Center. This rugged power wheelchair has tank tracks instead of wheels, and it helps wheelchair-users and slow walkers negotiate some of the inaccessible trails in the park.
Advance reservations are required to borrow the track chair. They can be made by calling 206-838-6030 ext. 291 or (425) 455-7010. Staff members cannot help with transfers to the track chair, so track chair-users must bring a companion if they require transfer assistance. A valid ID is also required to borrow the track chair, and all users must sign a liability waiver.
So get out and enjoy Lake Sammamish State Park on an adapted bicycle or an Action Trackchair. It’s fun, it’s free and it’s accessible.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Loaner track chairs are now available at some Missouri State Parks. These off-road wheelchairs allow visitors to more fully explore some inaccessible areas and historic sites in the parks that might not accommodate a standard wheelchair. The track chairs are available to reserve two days in advance, and due to battery life they can only be reserved for a maximum of two hours. Park employees are unable to assist with transfers, and people under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to use the track chairs. And before using the track chair, all users must go through a short briefing and sign a user agreement.
Track chairs are available at the following stare parks
Battle of Lexington State Historic Site
Bennett Spring State Park
Bryant Creek State Park
Castlewood State Park
Elephant Rocks State Park
General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Park
Details about how to reserve track chairs are listed on the individual state park websites. It’s also important to remember that the track chairs cannot be used in the rain, snow or ice, so plan accordingly. For more information about loaner track chairs at Missouri state parks, visit mostateparks.com/track-chair.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Bear Brook State Park (www.nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/bear-brook-state-park), which is located in Southeastern New Hampshire, has a loaner track chair available for visitors. The purchase of this track chair was made possible by a contribution from America’s State Park Foundation, with support from The Bronco Wild Fund. The track chair is available for use from 8 AM to 4 PM, with advance reservations. A volunteer will be available to give users a safety demonstration before the track chair is checked out. Reservations can be made by calling the park office at (603) 485-9869.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
If your travels take you to the Volunteer State, then check out the loaner all terrain wheelchairs in Tennessee state parks. The list is growing, but currently over 30 state parks offer these loaner wheelchairs. They are available to both adults and children, and they can be operated independently or with caregiver assistance. And each park has a list of specific trails you can try out in their loaner all terrain wheelchairs. The wheelchairs are available at these Tennessee state parks.
West Tennessee
Chickasaw State Park
Fort Pillow State Historic Park
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Natchez Trace State Park
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
Paris Landing State Park
Pickwick Landing State Park
Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park
Reelfoot Lake State Park
T.O. Fuller State Park
Middle Tennessee
Bledsoe Creek State Park
Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Cumberland Mountain State Park
Cummins Falls State Park
David Crockett State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Henry Horton State Park
Long Hunter State Park
Radnor Lake State Park
Alvin C. York State Historic Park
Tims Ford State Park
East Tennessee
Booker T. Washington State Park
Cove Lake State Park
Cumberland Trail State Park
Harrison Bay State Park
Indian Mountain State Park
Panther Creek State Park
Red Clay State Historic Park
Roan Mountain State Park
Rocky Fork State Park
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
Warriors’ Path State Park
Reservations for the all terrain track chairs are available at stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/all_terrain_wheelchair_request. Alternatively, you can call the parks directly with your reservation request. This method is preferred when the anticipated visit is less than three days away. And although reservations are preferred, the all terrain wheelchairs are available on a walk-up basis, if they are not already reserved.
If you’re planning to visit some Washington State Parks in 2026, and you want to save a few bucks, then plan your visit for one of the fee-free days. Normally a Discover Pass is required in order to enter Washington State Parks, but on these 2026 dates you don’t need a pass and you don’t need to pay an entry fee.
Thursday, Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day and First Day Hikes
Monday, Jan. 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, March 9 – Billy Frank Jr.’s Birthday
Thursday, March 19 – State Parks 113th Birthday
Wednesday, April 22 – Earth Day
Saturday – Sunday, June 6-7 – Free Fishing Weekend
Friday, June 19 – Juneteenth
Sunday, Aug. 9 – Smokey Bear’s Birthday
Saturday, Sept. 26 – National Public Lands Day
Saturday, Oct. 10 – World Mental Health Day
Wednesday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day
Washington has a lot to offer state-park wise, and here are some of our favorites. And we’ve really been impressed with their wheelchair access too.
If you’d like to visit a Washington State Park at other times during the year, and you happened to have a disability, then you can get a free Washington State Disability Pass. This pass can be used in place of a Discover Pass. Pass holders get the following benefits at Washington state lands.
Free parking and entrance to all state parks (no Discover Pass needed)
The form is pretty simple to fill out, but you do need to submit a few things with it.
Proof of Residency
This can be your drivers license or a Washington state ID card, but it must list your Washington address. You must be a Washington resident for at least three consecutive months in order to apply.
Proof of Disability
A copy of an accessible parking placard (not expired) is acceptable for proof of disability. If you don’t have that, then an eligibility letter for state or federal disability benefits will suffice.
There’s no charge to apply for the pass, and it’s good for either one or five years. So get yours today, and start exploring the accessible Washington national parks.
Thanks to a partnership between the Aimee Copeland Foundation (aimeecopelandfoundation.org/) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (gastateparks.org/), many Georgia State Parks offer track chairs to disabled visitors. These all terrain wheelchairs are fitted with tank tracks instead of wheels, and can maneuver through mud and over trails that might otherwise be inaccessible in standard wheelchairs. They can be used for hiking, hunting, fishing and other recreational activities. There’s no charge to borrow the track chairs, but a safety certification and a 48-hour advance reservation are required.
Georgia State Park Track Chair Locations
The following Georgia State Parks offer track chairs:
Georgia State Park Track Chair Reservation Process
Advance reservations are required to borrow a Georgia State Park track chair. A valid accessible parking placard is needed in order to make a reservation. A doctor’s statement describing your disability and your need for a track chair is also acceptable. If you do not have either of these, but believe you still qualify, call (770) 866-2815.
All track chair-users must also be accompanied by a companion 18 years of age or older, who is able to navigate the park terrain alongside the track chair. This is important, because the terrain on some of the trails can get pretty rough. The user and the companion must submit a copy of their photo IDs. All documents must be e-mailed to info@allterraingeorgia.org.
Once all the documents are received, the user will be sent a link to a safety/operational tutorial. The user and the companion must view the tutorial and pass an online test. After this is completed, the user will be sent a link and a password to access the online reservation system. They can then make their track chair reservation online
Thanks to a generous donation from the Sam Schneider Legacy Foundation, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy now has a GRIT Freedom Wheelchair to loan visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park. Initially the Foundation offered this all-terrain wheelchair to former Conservancy employee Quinn Brett, who sustained a spinal cord injury while climbing in Yosemite. Brett told the foundation that she would rather let as many people as possible have access to the all terrain wheelchair, and suggested that it be donated to the Conservancy. So now more people can use this all terrain wheelchair in Rocky Mountain National Park.
GRIT Freedom Chair
The donated GRIT Freedom Chair has two standard wheels on the sides of the seat, and a smaller wheel in front of the chair. It can be operated independently with the lever handles on each side of the seat. Alternatively, a companion can use the push handles on the back to propel the chair. Not only will the GRIT Freedom Chair navigate the accessible trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it’s also built to tackle rugged backcountry trails.
The all terrain wheelchair in Rocky Mountain National Park is housed at the Estes Park Mountain Shop at 2050 Big Thompson Avenue in Estes Park. There is no charge to use the wheelchair, which can be reserved by calling (970) 586-6548. For safety purposes it’s recommended that all terrain wheelchair-users hike with a companion, and that folks bring along plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent and snacks. And don’t forget extra medication, in case there is a delay returning to Estes Park. Additionally, users must be able to transfer to the all terrain wheelchair independently, or with assistance from a companion.
And thanks to the generosity of Estes Park resident Brian Keapplinger, more all terrain wheelchairs will be available in the future. Says Zach Zehr of Estes Park Mountain Shop, “He’s reached out to us to extend the inventory of mobility chairs, for when people come to us and say, ‘Hey, we’d love to use this but it’s already on reservation.’”
For more information about the all terrain wheelchair in Rocky Mountain National Park, visit www.estesparkmountainshop.com/summer-rentals
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
